Did Physical Activity Prevent Burnout Among Family Physicians in Slovenia During the COVID-19 Pandemic?

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic amplified the existing problem of burnout among healthcare workers. Physical activity has positive effects on the entire body and mental health, and may prevent burnout. Objectives: Determine the relationship between physical activity and prevalence of burnout among Slovenian family physicians (FPs) and family medicine trainees (FMTs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Cross-sectional observational study of Slovenian FPs and FMTs addressing sociodemographic variables, type and duration of physical activity and assessing burnout using the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Data was analysed using various bivariate statistical tests. Results: 1230 FPs and FMTs were invited to participate in the study, 282 completed the survey (22.9% response rate), 243 (86.2%) FPs and 39 (13.8%) FMTs. Total burnout score (MBI TOT ) during the COVID-19 pandemic was high in 48.6% of the FPs and FMTs; 62.8% scored high for emotional exhaustion (EE), 40.1% high for depersonalization (DP) and 53.5% low for personal accomplishment (PA). Compared to FMTs, EE and MBI TOT was higher in FPs (p < 0.001 and p = 0.010, respectively). There was no difference when comparing physical activity and burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions: No relationship was found between physical activity and burnout. FPs experienced significantly more burnout than FMTs.